New York's 2013-14 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Extend Thru March 31, 2015

New Regulations Will Become Effective April 1, 2015

The current (2013-14) freshwater fishing regulations will extend thru March 31, 2015, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. New freshwater fishing regulations will take effect April 1, 2015 and a new regulations guide will be available from all license sale vendors at that time.

"This change was made based upon the change to the effective dates of our freshwater fishing licenses," said Commissioner Martens. "In the past, fishing licenses, like our hunting licenses were effective October 1 thru September 30. Fishing licenses are now effective 365 days from the date of purchase and it made sense to adjust the effective dates of our fishing regulations to coincide with the April 1 opener of the statewide trout season which is our traditional kickoff to the freshwater fishing season."

Anglers should continue to refer to the 2013-14 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide for the fishing regulations in effect through March 31, 2015. The Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide is available from all license issuing agents, DEC regional offices and on DEC's website. The current regulations are also available on the new free New York Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife mobile app. Developed by DEC in partnership with Parks by Nature the app is available for iPhone and Android devices; users can download it for free in the iTunes App Store and the Android Market. The proposed new regulations will be available for public review and comment beginning in mid-September on DEC's website.

Anglers are also reminded that combination licenses are no longer available. If a person desires to fish in New York State, they must purchase a separate fishing license. Anglers should also be aware of the expiration date of their current fishing license, since expiration dates now vary depending upon when the license was purchased.

The NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This initiative includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing and increasing hunting opportunities in New York State
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In support of this initiative, this year's budget includes $6 million in NY Works funding to support creating 50 new land and water access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have not reached their full potential. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the 2014-15 budget includes $4 million to repair the state's fish hatcheries; and renews and allows expanded use of crossbows for hunting in New York State.

This year's budget also reduces short-term fishing licenses fees; increases the number of authorized statewide free fishing days to eight from two; authorizes DEC to offer 10 days of promotional prices for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses; and authorizes free Adventure Plates for new lifetime license holders, discounted Adventure Plates for existing lifetime license holders and regular fee Adventure Plates for annual license holders.